Current Category
Champagne and Imported Sparkling Wines
 Of the great wines of France, Champagne is the newest arrival. Champagne as a district has been making wine since the early Roman times, and by the ninth century it had become sufficiently well established as a high quality region for distinction to be drawn between the wines of the Vallee de la Marne and those of the Montagne de Reims. From this time on it went from strength to strength: by the early sixteenth century, the wine of Ay had become so highly prized that it was said to be 'the ordinary drink of Kings and Princes. It was not until the seventeenth century, however, that the first sparkling wines made their appearance, and not until the nineteenth century that Champagne came to be synonymous with sparkling wine. neither were the numerous special techniques essential for making Champagne all discovered by discovered by one person - notwithstanding the extraordinary feats popularly attributed to Dom Perignon nor at any one time.
The evolution of the present day method of making clear sparkling wine using the second fermentation took over 200 years. Champagne is a wine that appeals to the broadest senses, rather than to the particular. It is the overall impression it leaves in the mouth after it is swallowed which matters most .It is true that the greatest Champagnes are wines of extraordinary finesse, balance, and above all else length of flavours, the intrinsic quality of these wines is on a par with the greatest of the still white or red table wines. Just as the Burgundians place special emphasis on the bouquet, the Bordelais on the palate and structure, so the Champenois claim the finish and, in particular, the aftertaste as a special feature of their wine. Not that all Champagnes taste the same, there is a world of difference between a Pol Roger and a Krug,a Taittinger and Bollinger, let a alone between a vintage Champagne of one of the grandes marques and a non vintage, "buyer's own brand" from one of the cooperatives. Yet the overall consistency of the quality and style and non - vintage Champagne from the grandes marques exceeds that of any other category of wine in any region - an astonishing achievement, given the marginal climate in which the Champenois grow their their grapes, and the fluctuations in supply and demand which they so skilfully manage from making viewpoints.
 Assemblage known as blending is the most critical stage of the long and delicate process which makes the finished Champagne. It is the art that made Dom Perignon the most famous oenologist of his day, indeed, perhaps the famous winemaker in history. Blending involves a detailed knowledge of the past, present, and future of the materials, and requires highly specialized tasting skills which can see beyond the often hard, acidic, thin, and chalky base wines that give only a barest glimpse of how they will taste once they have been blended, undergone the second fermentation, benefited from contact with yeasts during years of maturation on the lees, and been adjusted for sweetness using liqueur d'expedition.
The task demands the mental skill of a chess grand master as literally endless permutations and combinations are considered. The blenders at Moet & Chandon typically have 300 different base wines from any one vintage to deal with the possible permutations are beyond calculation. one of the most fascinating, and important aspects of Champagne is the use of "reserve" wine held from earlier vintages. It may be held in magnums under slight gaseous pressure, in stainless steel, or less commonly in oak.
Champagne house's such as Krug have reserve wine of up to twenty years old, although in diminishing quantity with age. They will usually be held over from vintage years,and,tasted on their own, can be superb. reserve wines can be used at three stages in the making of Champagne. They can be incorporated in the primary ferment, then most commonly and importantly at the time of blending or assemblage along with the liqueur de tirage, and least importantly because of the tiny volume with the liqueur d'expedition . All the Champagne houses privately acknowledge that the quality and style of their reserve wines have a powerful influence on their overall house style, but tend to downplay this importance publicly.
 Vintage champagne is strictly directed under European Union legislation, eighty five percent of the wine must be from the stated vintage year, which would allow generous incorporation of reserve wine. Under the appellation controlee of Champagne, the wine must be one hundred percent from its stated vintage. So reserve wines are customarily used in the blending of vintage Champagne - and to its great benefit-just as much as with non-vintage wines. The Champenois and the Comite Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne are ever alert to emphasize their unique combination of terrior and climate. Champagne is France's northern most vineyard region. Without the special properties of its chalk soil, free - draining and sun reflecting, it would be a very doubtful area for ripening grapes.
At Chancellors Cellars we have assembled an extensive range of famous Champagnes for you to select.
 |
Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial NV Gift Box France 750ml x 6
Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial in a Gift Box is the boldest and most unexpected Moet & Chandon Champagne.Lively and generous, NectarImperial distinguishes itself by its tropical fruitiness, its richess on the palate and its crisp finish that instantly surprise and delight.
|
|
 |
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Gift Box 2000 France 750ml x 6
Moet & Chandon Grand Vinatge Champagne with luxurious honey and yeast flavours with just a touch of spice on its long, elegant finish. Though Moët's NV can be seen in just about every country in the world, it is with their vintage expression that this great house founded its quality reputation.Fresh white fruits such as peach and pear appear on the nose along with dried fruits, hints of toast and malt notes.The palate is inviting and firm with ample and fleshy fruitiness. This generosity grows, stretching to caramelised and almost mineralised citrus fruits.After hand-picking, the grapes were pressed very gently - only the best juice from the first pressing was used. Grapes from different 'crus' were pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks separately to imbue complexity to the final blend. After malolactic fermentation, the vats were blended and bottled to undergo secondary fermentation. Aged for 4-5 years on the lees before disgorging.
|
|
|
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Gift Box 2000 France 1500ml x 3
Sent in its genuine Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2000 gift box.A superbly crafted vintage Champagne with luxurious honey and yeast flavours with just a touch of spice on its long, elegant finish. Though Moët's NV can be seen in just about every country in the world, it is with their vintage expression that this great house founded its quality reputation.Fresh white fruits such as peach and pear appear on the nose along with dried fruits, hints of toast and malt notes.The palate is inviting and firm with ample and fleshy fruitiness. This generosity grows, stretching to caramelised and almost mineralised citrus fruits.After hand-picking, the grapes were pressed very gently - only the best juice from the first pressing was used. Grapes from different 'crus' were pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks separately to imbue complexity to the final blend. After malolactic fermentation, the vats were blended and bottled to undergo secondary fermentation. Aged for 4-5 years on the lees before disgorging
|
|
|
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Methuselah Gift Box 2000 France 6000ml x 3
A superbly crafted vintage Champagne with luxurious honey and yeast flavours with just a touch of spice on its long, elegant finish. Though Moët's NV can be seen in just about every country in the world, it is with their vintage expression that this great house founded its quality reputation.Fresh white fruits such as peach and pear appear on the nose along with dried fruits, hints of toast and malt notes.The palate is inviting and firm with ample and fleshy fruitiness. This generosity grows, stretching to caramelised and almost mineralised citrus fruits.After hand-picking, the grapes were pressed very gently - only the best juice from the first pressing was used. Grapes from different 'crus' were pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks separately to imbue complexity to the final blend. After malolactic fermentation, the vats were blended and bottled to undergo secondary fermentation. Aged for 4-5 years on the lees before disgorging
|
|
 |
Moet & Chandon Vintage Gift Box 2000 France 750ml x 6
Moet & Chandon Vintage has its strength from its chardonnay vintage.It makes this wines classic and powerful, straight and rigorous, with a superb acid balance. The Pinots are fine and elegant, with a unique personality and still with a good structure and texture. The vintage wines are mature and complex, well-balanced and rigorous it has a great potential for ageing.Quality : Brut, Assemblage 40% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier. The wine is notable for its remarkable balance built on intensity and depth. The blend is generous the taste lingers on, is tender and warm. Brioche and ripe pears notes compliment the flowery almond and citrus flavours.
|
|
 |
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose 2000 France 750ml x 6
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose...Style and finesse. Pretty enough to look at and one of the best vintages yet, since Moet & Chandon commenced the making of rose in 1920. The wine sparkles and breathes, binding together the sensations of depth and harmony.
|
|
|
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose Gift Box 2000 France 750ml x 6
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose...Style and finesse. Pretty enough to look at and one of the best vintages yet, since Moet & Chandon commenced the making of rose in 1920. The wine sparkles and breathes, binding together the sensations of depth and harmony.
|
|
 |
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Mini Moet Gift Box NV France 200ml x 24
Moet Chandon Mini Rosé Piccolo is a bold, medium pink salmon colour, slightly coppery and slightly cherry in hue. Aromas are of citrus and peach, strawberry and Nice shortbreads, followed by hints of almond and praline, broad berry notes intermixed with delightful chocolate box assortment characters. The bead is extravagant, seemingly exaggerated by the size of the bottle, the finesse of the effervescence is exemplary, it carries heady characters. Rich and magnificently flavoursome, the Rosé Piccolo is always drinking exquisitely. It's blushing colour, breadth of flavour, refreshing nature and approachability make it a dashing offering with meals, at gift occasions, or as a gesture of taste and spontaneity
|
|
|
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Half NV France 375ml x 12
Moët & Chandon Rose Imperial .... re-ignited the imagination of connoisseurs and enthusiasts with the charm of it's exceptional Cuvée Rosé, by achieving top marks at the inaugural London Wine Festival, purely on the basis of overwhelming popular appeal. Not until the mid nineties was Moët available in shocking pink, and not until very recently under Rose Imperial Half. The exceptional qualities of the Cuvée Rosé Brut, it's inimitable colours, rich effervescence, and uncompromising ability to refresh, flatters the approachability of this very special wine.
|
|
|
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial NV France 750ml x 6
Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial is the most extrovert and seductive expression of the Moet & Chandon style. Lively and generous, Rose Imperial distinguishes itself by a radiant colour, an intense fruitiness and flamboyance on the palate, that instantly seduce and delight.
|
|
Previous Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 [10] 11 12 13 14 15 16 Next Page
|
